We’ve all been there, standing under the shower, waiting for a satisfying blast of water, only to be met with a disappointing trickle. Across the UK, low water pressure is a real frustration, impacting everything from morning routines to watering the garden.
However, here at Dutypoint, we’ve made it our mission to turn that around – we understand the importance of reliable water pressure and are leading the way in innovative solutions to meet these challenges. With our pioneering efforts, including being the first to achieve WRAS approval for a cold water booster set and EPD on a UK booster set, we’re raising the bar (literally!) on water pressure.
In this guide, we’ll dive into how cold water booster systems work, many of the benefits they bring, and a step-by-step guide on how to install one of our latest cutting-edge domestic cold water booster sets.
The Growing Demand for Cold Water Boosters
Much of the UK’s water infrastructure, especially in larger cities, dates back to the Victorian era, and these old, small-diameter pipes are struggling to meet modern needs. Paired with population growth and increased urban development, it is projected that by 2050 there will be a daily shortfall of nearly five billion litres between water supply and demand. Currently, many homeowners are often left with unsatisfactory water pressure, some even receiving less than the 0.7 bar required by Ofwat. Although water companies often supply pressure above the minimum requirement, even 1 bar isn’t sufficient to meet the demands of larger residential properties, high-rise buildings, or commercial and industrial spaces with multiple water outlets. This explains why there is a demand for cold water booster sets.
Cold water booster sets address the shortfall between water supply and demand by boosting low pressure, ensuring consistent water flow in buildings with high water usage, such as larger residential properties and commercial spaces. They amplify pressure when the natural supply is insufficient, distributing water evenly across multiple outlets and adapting to different systems, like gravity-fed or self-primed modes. By supplying efficient pressure management, booster sets help optimise water use, reduce waste, and ensure reliable performance even in areas with outdated infrastructure or fluctuating supply levels.
Selecting The Right Cold Water Booster Set
Choosing the right cold water booster is essential for ensuring reliable water pressure and efficient system performance. Start by evaluating the specific needs of your property or project, consider factors like the number of outlets, peak demand, and the height difference between the water source and the highest outlet. Another feature to keep an eye out for is variable speed drives, which automatically vary the speed of the pump in order to keep a constant system pressure regardless of the demand. Finally, If you’re dealing with specialised requirements, like Category 5 compliance , make sure to select a booster that prevents backflow contamination.
At Dutypoint, we offer a wide range of cold water booster sets designed to meet diverse demands. Whether you need a high-performance system for a large commercial building or a compact solution for homes with low mains pressure, our expert team is here to help you find the perfect fit.
Take, one of our latest innovations, our MicroBOOST® MAX, a space-saving cold water booster set that enhances water flow and maintains steady pressure. With its state-of-the-art IE5 motor, low-noise design, and remote app control, it’s perfect for larger homes, multi-occupancy residences, and even luxury properties, offering advanced control and monitoring via the App. Cold water boosters like these offer a reliable, cost-effective solution to ensure consistent water pressure in homes and businesses – keeping everything flowing smoothly, no matter the demand!
Key Considerations For Installing Cold Water Booster Sets
When it comes to cold water booster sets, installing them correctly is essential for meeting UK regulations and avoiding headaches down the line. To meet the Water Supply (Water Fittings) Regulations 1999 and avoid backflow problems, UK water pressure boosters must be installed with either a header tank in the loft or a break tank with water storage. Installers should always check the home’s setup before installation to ensure compliance and optimal performance.
Installing A Cold Water Booster Set: Step-By-Step
When installing a cold water booster set, it’s crucial that installers follow the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure a proper and hassle-free setup. While installation requirements can vary slightly between booster sets, we’ve provided a general step-by-step guide to installing and setting up a cold water booster set using our MicroBOOST® MAX as an example. This cold water booster set can be easily installed following these 4 simple steps:
- Mechanical Installation: Securely mount the MicroBOOST® unit, leaving at least 150 mm of space around ventilation holes. Connect the suction and discharge pipes to the 1” BSP threaded connections, ensuring they are properly supported.
- Prime the Pump: For below-water installations, open the suction valve. For above-head installations, unscrew the filling caps, fill the pump with water, and replace the caps to ensure proper priming.
- Power On: Plug in and switch on the unit and verify the OLED display shows proper readings. Use the App for remote control, monitoring, and setting advanced parameters for system optimisation.
- Set Pressure and Test: Adjust the system pressure via the display or app, ensuring the pressure vessel’s pre-charge is 80% of the set pressure. After powering up, inspect for leaks, alarms, and ensure smooth operation with final adjustments as needed.
Remember specific installation steps will vary among cold water booster sets, so always follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer.
Modulating Water Pressure for Optimal Performance
Some water pressure boosters may need a little extra fine-tuning to make sure taps and fittings aren’t overwhelmed by a big boost in pressure. However cold water booster sets with modulating pressure capabilities will automatically adjust the pump’s speed and flow rate to match the water demand at any given time. This not only ensures consistent water pressure but also prevents unnecessary energy usage when fewer outlets are in use.
The MicroBOOST® MAX boasts this capability, using a pressure sensor it continuously monitors water demand and automatically adjusts the pump speed to maintain a constant pressure. This ensures that all taps and showers receive the right amount of pressure, even during periods of high demand. By modulating pressure, these systems help avoid over-pressurisation, reduce wear on the pump, and improve the overall efficiency of water distribution.
Keeping Up With Growing Water Demands
With water demands continuing to rise, it’s essential to adapt to changing usage patterns. Cold water booster sets offer a reliable, cost-effective solution to ensure consistent water pressure in homes and businesses. Take our collaboration with Sheen Lane Developments at One Olympic Way, Wembley Dutypoint’s VR booster sets ensured consistent water pressure across a staggering 346 apartments, even when water use was at its peak.
Whether it’s managing the demands of a large development or giving a high-end home that perfect water flow, our cold water booster sets are built to adapt, making life easier and water pressure reliable.
Browse our complete range of cold water booster sets, or get in touch with our expert team today to arrange a quote for your project.
